Abstract: A resin infusion system uses a housing that has an upper flexible diaphragm and a lower flexible diaphragm such that the two diaphragms form a cavity. A fiber reinforcement mat is positioned within the cavity. A mold is positioned below the lower diaphragm. A flow plate has a series of V-shaped grooves and is positioned either underneath the lower diaphragm or overtop the upper diaphragm so that the grooves press into the respective diaphragm. A vacuum is created within the housing causing resin to be drawn into the cavity with the resin interacting with the grooves increasing the turbulence of the resin flow. Once the reinforcement mat is properly wetted, the mold is pressed into the lower diaphragm.

Abstract: Administration of an HNO/NO? donating compound, such as Angeli's salt, increases myocardial contractility while concomitantly lowering left ventricular preload in subjects experiencing heart failure. Moreover, administration of the HNO/NO? donating compound isopropylamine (IPA)/NO(Na(CH3)2CHNHN(O)NO) surprisingly exhibited positive inotropic effects in subjects experiencing heart failure that were superior to those caused by the HNO/NO? donating compound Angeli's salt. Additionally, in contrast to the effects observed with NO? donors, administration of an HNO/NO? donor in combination with a positive inotropic agent did not impair the positive inotropic effect of the positive inotropic agent. Further, HNO/NO? exerts its positive inotropic effect independent of the adrenergic system, increasing contractility even in subjects receiving beta-antagonist therapy.

Abstract: A natural gradient, single well, tracer dilution non-continuous mixing apparatus and method for measuring flow of liquids through porous media are described. The method has been applied to concentrations of Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) in monitoring wells to measure the rate of LNAPL flow through the wells and through the adjacent formation. Similar measurements were made for concentrations of water in other formations. A LNAPL-soluble fluorescing tracer was added to LNAPL in the wells, and a water-soluble fluorescing tracer was added to water in the wells. The tracer is initially uniformly-mixed into the LNAPL or water in the well, and the tracer concentration is measured using a fiber optic cable and a spectrometer. The LNAPL or water with dissolved tracer is then allowed to flow from the well without any mixing. At a later time, the LNAPL or water and tracer in the well are mixed to a uniform tracer concentration, and the tracer concentration is remeasured.

Abstract: Methods are provided for functionalizing a macroscopic film comprised of nanoscale fibers by controlled irradiation. The methods may include the steps of (a) providing a nanoscale fiber film material comprising a plurality of nanoscale fibers (which may include single wall nanotubes, multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or a combination thereof); and (b) irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material with a controlled amount of radiation in the open air or in a controlled atmosphere. The step of irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material is effective to functionalize the plurality of nanoscale fibers. Irradiated nanoscale fiber films are also provided having improved mechanical and electrical conducting properties.

Abstract: Ligands that bind to prion proteins and methods for using the ligands for detecting or removing a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The ligands are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), and recombinant prion protein (PrPr). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the ligands. Also provided is a method of treating or retarding the development of a prion-associated pathology in a subject.

Abstract: A method for detecting a gas phase constituent such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen, or hydrocarbons in a gas comprising oxygen such as air, includes providing a sensing material or film having a metal embedded in a catalytically active matrix such as gold embedded in a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrix. The method may include annealing the sensing material at about 900° C., exposing the sensing material and gas to a temperature above 400° C., projecting light onto the sensing material, and detecting a change in the absorption spectrum of the sensing material due to the exposure of the sensing material to the gas in air at the temperature which causes a chemical reaction in the sensing material compared to the absorption spectrum of the sensing material in the absence of the gas. Systems employing such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic tool for use in diagnosing diseases, the tool having a detector for detecting the presence of an array of markers indicative of disease. Also provided is a combination of markers for disease, the combination including at least two markers of the disease. A method of choosing such combinations of markers for a given disease as well as a method for detecting a combination of markers for diagnosing the presence of a disease state or determining a disease stage is also provided. The method includes selectively biopanning sera obtained from a patient to obtain cDNA clones to array for analysis and determining if the markers are present among the cDNA clones present in the disease. Epitopes found using this method are also provided as well as a database incorporating these epitopes. A biochip for detecting the presence of a disease marker in a patient's sera is provided, wherein the biochip has a detector contained within the biochip for detecting disease markers in a patient's sera.

Abstract: Multiple SQUID magnetometers that include at least two SQUID loops, each of which is composed of at least two Josephson Junctions connected in parallel with superconducting wires, are provided. The SQUID loops are fabricated such that they share a common Josephson Junction. Devices and application that employ the multiple SQUID magnetometers are also provided.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube array structures comprise (a) a nanotube having an inner wall portion; and (b) a bilayer coating formed on the inner wall portions, with the bilayer coating comprised of surfactants. A secondary compound such as a protein, peptide or nucleic acid may be associated with the bilayer coating. The structures are useful for, among other things, affinity purification, catalysis, and as biochips.

Abstract: This invention relates to computer-assisted diagnostics and classification of prostate cancer. Specifically, the invention relates to segmentation of the prostate boundary on MRI images, cancer detection using multimodal multi-protocol MR data; and their integration for a computer-aided diagnosis and classification system for prostate cancer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising having improved absorption of electromagnetic radiation is disclosed. The photovoltaic cell can include a rear contact, a first cell having a first band-gap energy, and a rear contact in electrical communication with an electromechanical device. The first cell can include InxGaySbz, where x+y+z=1 and z ranges from 0.00001 to 0.025. the photovoltaic cell can also include a second cell having a second band-gap energy, and a first tunnel disposed between the first and second cells. The photovoltaic cell can include at least a third cell and a second tunnel disposed between the second and third cells. The uppermost cell can include GaP or InP.

Abstract: The related disclosure pertains to a method to quantify methyltransferase activity. In an exemplar embodiment, the method may be carried out by the following steps: i) incubating a mixture comprising a methyltransferase, a substrate, and radiolabeled S-adenosylmethionine for a period of time sufficient for the protein methyltransferase to methylate and transform at least some of the substrate into a methylated product of the substrate, then ii) at one or more times removing an aliquot of the mixture, then iii) contacting the aliquot of the mixture to a resin capable of binding the methylated product of the substrate, followed by iv) a washing step to remove the unreacted radiolabeled S-adenosylmethionine, followed by v) an elution step to elute and isolate the methylated product, then vi) measuring the amount of radiolabel in the methylated product.

Abstract: Single-dose controlled-release immunogenic formulations, such as vaccines, based on bioerodible polyanhydride copolymer or homopolymer microparticles for the control of immune response mechanisms are provided. The copolymer or homopolymer microparticles degrade by surface-erosion from in vivo hydrolysis of anhydride linkages at the surface of the microparticle, which results in controlled release of immunogen(s) to a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds that are useful as linkers for solid phase synthesis and as protecting groups, and methods for producing and using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula I or formula II: wherein: the bond represented by is a single bond or a double bond, and R1—R5, X, and Y have any of the meanings defined in the specification and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I or II, processes for preparing compounds of formula I or II, intermediates useful for preparing compounds of formula I or II, and therapeutic methods for treating cancer and other topoisomerase related conditions using compounds of formula I or II.

Abstract: A genetic means of determining whether a female subject produces “pregnancy competent” oocytes is provided. The means comprises detecting the level of expression of one or more genes that are expressed at characteristic levels (upregulated or downregulated) in cumulus cells derived from pregnancy competent oocytes. This characteristic gene expression level, or pattern referred to herein as the “pregnancy signature”, also can be used to identify subjects with underlying conditions that impair or prevent the development of a viable pregnancy, e.g., pre-menopausal condition, other hormonal dysfunction, ovarian dysfunction, ovarian cyst, cancer or other cell proliferation disorder, autoimmune disease and the like. Microarrays containing “pregnancy signature” genes or corresponding polypeptides provide another preferred aspect of the invention. Still further, the subject invention can be used to derive animal models, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed are ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cells and other ion-trapping cells with plural groups of multiple trapping electrodes for shaping (e.g., flattening) the radial electric field within the ICR cell. Also disclosed are methods for controlling the electric field to diminish effects of de-phasing. The diminished effects are achieved by decreasing space-charge contributions by increasing the length of the ion-oscillation path along the z-axis of the ICR cell. The methods and devices enhance the time-domain signal of a Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR-MS) and provide enhanced resolution and accuracy of mass measurements.

Abstract: A new class of imidazolines as 4-position acids or esters with very potent anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial activity is described. The synthesis of these imidazolines includes a multicomponent reaction applicable to a combinatorial synthetic approach. The combination of these two key characteristics provides an effective therapeutic drug in the treatment of septic shock as well as many other inflammatory (arthritis and asthma) and infectious disorders. The use of this novel class of non-steroidal agents as anti-inflammatory agents (for the treatment of asthma etc.), antibacterial agents and antiseptic agents is described. The compounds are also useful in the treatment of tumors (such as cancers). The imidazolines are potent inhibitors of the transcription factor NF-?B as well as potent activity against the Gram (+) bacterium B. subtillus and B. cereus with MIC values in the range of 50 ?m/mL.

Abstract: A global software development model instrument is described. The instrument utilizes a global system dynamics model, as well as one or more site-specific discrete event simulation and system dynamics models to model interactions within and between software development sites. Parameters, equations, and interactions between the model components are editable to allow for the simulation and comparison of various software development options and to provide for global software development research. Additional product development situations can be modeled as well, including hardware and systems engineering.

Abstract: St. Augustinegrass plant ‘MSA-31’ is a new and distinct variety of perennial St. Augustinegrass cultivar, characterized by its short and narrow leaf blades, fine leaf texture, short internode length and diameter, and superior turf quality and particularly turf density when grown under shade or dense shade. ‘MSA-31’ is also distinguished by its genetic color and fall and winter color characteristics.